VOLUME 22 NUMBER 46
FREE
FEBRUARY 25, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Plans for multimillion sports/entertainment complex is unveiled at Stonecrest
By Valerie J. Morgan A $200 million sports complex expected to create 2,000 jobs and bring spectators, and teams and tourists from around the country is coming to the new city of Stonecrest. Atlanta Sports Connection, in partnership with Atlanta Partners for Development (APD) and Discover DeKalb Convention & Visitors Bureau announced plans for the privately-funded “Atlanta Sports City at Stonecrest” on Feb. 22. As the project’s partners unveiled a huge banner bearing the sports facility’s name, the crowd attending the launch cheered and applauded with excitement.
“As a resident, I’m proud to be here and as a developer, APD is privileged to be working at Stonecrest with these dedicated orgaL-R: Former Falcon Jamie Dukes, Zeric Foster, Patrick Henderson, James Tsismanakis, Vaughn nizations and individuals in this community who fought to make their Irons and Jason Lary take the stage after the unveiling. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News Visitors Bureau, Brassfield & Gorrie, The complex will be built on the own way,” said APD Solutions CEO Alston & Byrd law firm, SFA/SFM southeastern side of the Mall at StoneVaughn Irons, who pulled together the Advisory, Willis Towers Watson, SCR crest on a 197-acre tract across from deal. “First, we created a city. Now, Consulting ,Georgia Soccer and Atthe AMC theater and will include we have our first major project.” lanta Land Group, just to name a few a 15,000-seat professional stadiPatrick Henderson, CEO of Atum, outdoor multi-use fields, sports involved in the collaboration. lanta Sports Connections, and Zeric diamonds, and indoor courts, hotels, “This is the game changer we’ve Foster, COO of Atlanta Sports Con340,000-square-foot entertainment been waiting for and watch out evnection, said they had been working district with dine-in restaurants and eryone, Stonecrest is the new impact on the idea since 2010. Irons said he player,” said Irons, who added the got involved a year and a half ago, bringing all of the players to the table: project will be a role model for the See Atlanta Sports City, page 8 country. Discover DeKalb Convention &
DeKalb sets short, long-term goals to address water billing crisis
Michael Thurmond
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eKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond provided an update on the county’s water billing crisis, promising to improve customer service and billing within the next 90 days. Thurmond and staff members rolled out his “A New Day In DeKalb” plan to address the county’s water problems, outlining short and long-term solutions during a special-called meeting with commissioners, residents and the media. Thurmond said
37,000 customers’ bills have been held since last fall as county officials sought to determine if the bills were accurate or inaccurate due to faulty meters, meter readers, data entry mistakes or even the customers themselves through usage. He said customers’ whose issues have been resolved would soon begin receiving bills for the January and February billing cycles. The CEO did not offer a specific plan, however, for the bills that have been held since last fall. He said the disconnection moratorium would be extended and reviewed at the end of March Thurmond acknowledged that holding the bills was a mistake because some customers may not have the money now to pay the bills that were held through no fault of their own. “We were rushing to create a solution and created another level of problems,” Thurmond said.
Commissioner Jeff Rader said he would like to try to come up with a payment plan for those who don’t have all the money to pay up front and he said the Board of Commissioners would discuss the issue more. Thurmond reiterated there is no quick fix for all of the problems, but promised to continue tackling the root causes. He said while some of the problems will be addressed in the next 90 days, others would take two or three years to fix. He pointed out that the county must do a better job of communicating with customers. He said the water and sewer rates, for example, have increased 212 percent since 2007. “The increase in bills may not be due to an incorrect reading, but the fact rates have gone up but the fact that rates have gone up. Same consumption, higher rate, higher bill,” Thurmond said. Thurmond said he also plans to address providing additional
staff in the water department, more training and higher salaries. “The increase in bills may not be due to an incorrect reading, but the fact rates have gone up but the fact that rates have gone up. Same consumption, higher rate, higher bill,” Thurmond said. The county Water Department has about 190,000 customers and escalating water bills have been an ongoing complaint in the county for years. Last year, DeKalb officials set up a dispute resolution team to study each overcharge and placed a moratorium on water disconnects until they resolve the problems. Thurmond said the county plans to launch a pilot program with third-party meditators to resolve billing issues that cannot be resolved internally. You can view the “A New Day In DeKalb” plan at http://bit.ly/2miwyWv.
PAGE 2 •FEBRUARY 25, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
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IRVIN J. JOHNSON Tax Commissioner DeKalb County, GA
ATTENTION ALL DEKALB COUNTY HOMEOWNERS The 2017 Property Tax Exemption Deadline is Fast Approaching! If you owned and resided in a home in DeKalb County on January 1st, you may apply for a Basic Homestead Exemption and Property Assessment Freeze with the County by April 1st of this year. The home must be your primary domicile and legal residence for all purposes, including the registration of your vehicles and the filing of your Federal and State income taxes. Applications received after April 1st will be processed for 2018. In addition to the basic homestead exemption available to all homeowners, there are special exemptions available for residents 62 and older, disabled veterans or their un-remarried spouses, and other disabled residents. Eligibility for special exemptions is based upon age or disability, total household income, and must be applied for in person. When applying, please bring your State and Federal income tax forms, Social Security 1099, and any other forms of income you may receive, to one of our three offices across the County.
North Office
1358 Dresden Dr., NE Atlanta, GA 30319
Main Office
4380 Memorial Dr. Suite 100 Decatur, GA 30032
South Office
2801 Candler Rd. #66 South DeKalb Mall Decatur, GA 30034
Remember, the deadline for applying for all homesteads is April 1st! Apply for the Basic Homestead Exemption, the Property Assessment Freeze, or renew your tag registration online at: www.dekalbcountyga.gov/taxcommissioner Questions? Call (404) 298-4000 or email us proptax@dekalbcountyga.gov
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 100, Decatur, Georgia 30032 (404-298-4000)
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com
FEBRUARY 25,2017 • PAGE 3
Meet the city of Stonecrest candidates
With Election Day scheduled for March 21, organizations and homeowner groups are hosting forums and meet-andgreets to give residents in the new city of Stonecrest the opportunity to hear from the 20 candidates who are running for public offices in the city. The following organizations have notified On Common Ground News of upcoming events to help voters get ready for the elections: The DeKalb County NAACP will host a candidate forum for the city of Stonecrest contestants on Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 p.m., at Salem Bible Church, 5460 Hillandale Drive. “Our non-partisan candidate forums are designed to empower communities by increasing awareness andvparticipation in the full political process,” said Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb NAACP. “We encourage the participation of everyone and hope to educate and inspire greater voter participation.” The Concerned Citizens of Stonecrest invites the public to participate in an Election Focus Study that will take place on Wednesday, March 8, 6 p.m., at the Stonecrests Public Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia.
This event will give the citizens of Stonecrest the opportunity to express their perceptions, opinions, beliefs, and attitudes toward issues impacting the Election that will take place on March 21. Topics of concern will include: • Community Affairs (Public Safety and Education) • Parks and Recreation • Planning and Zoning • Economic Development • City Operations • Code Enforcement and Beautification To participate in this Election Focus Study, participants must have a working cell phone with texting capability. The maximum capacity for this event will be limited to 155 participants. Those interested in participating in the Election Focus Study are encouraged to arrive early. The DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization will host a meet and greet for the city of Stonecrest candidates on March 6, 6 to 8 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. The coalition invites the community to come out and meet the 17 candidates who are running for City Council seats and the three mayoral candidates.
MAYOR Douglas E. Favors, II Charles Hill, II Jason Lary CITY COUNCIL District 1 Jimmy Clanton, Jr. Plez A. Joyner District 2 Jazzmin Randall Cobble Champion
Geraldine
District 3 Jazzmin Randall Cobble Eric Hubbard District 4 Geraldine Champion Jesse “Jay” Cunningham Mary-Pat Hector Jonathan “JP” Phillis George Turner, Jr. District 5 Diane Daniels Adoma Tammy L. Grimes Lloyd Morrison Richard Stone
Rockdale BOC honors Rockdale BOC approves Veterans Day as holiday County Clerk Jennifer Rutledge for 20 years of service for employees
Rockdale County employees will get Veterans Day as a paid holiday, thanks to an amended policy approved by the Board of Commissioners on Feb. 21. The suggestion to amend the county’s policy to include Veterans Day as an employee holiday came from Tina Malone, procurement officer, who asked during an event for county employees why Veterans Day was not a county employee holiday. Beginning March 8, BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt praised Malone for the sugRockdale County’s Progestion and thanked fellow commissioners for supporting her bate Court will begin idea. extended hours of oper“This is a big deal. I want to thank her for asking the ation. The new schedule question,” said Nesbitt, adding that he feels it is important to will be 8:30 a.m. until 6 seek input from county employees in order to continue movp.m. on Wednesdays only. ing the county forward and making improvements. “This is The office will continue its one step in letting our employees know that we’re listening.” regular operating schedNesbitt and Commissioners Sherri Washington and Doule on the other weekdays reen Williams all said they were proud to support the Veterfrom 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. ans Day holiday because they recognize firsthand the imporJudge Clarence Cuthtance and sacrifice of veterans through their own relatives pert, Jr. said he decided who have served or are serving in the U.S. military. Several to extend the hours on veterans and veterans group members attended tonight’s Wednesdays after citizens meeting in support of including Veterans Day as a holiday and attorneys overwhelm- for all county employees. ingly said in a survey that With the amended policy, the County employees will the extended hours would now observe the following days: be beneficial. New Year’s Day “The ultimate goal Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (third Monday in of the Probate Court is January) to serve the needs of the Memorial Day people of Rockdale CounIndependence Day ty,” said Judge Cuthpert. Labor Day “Based upon the survey, Veterans Day extending the hours of the Thanksgiving Day Court will benefit those The day after Thanksgiving who are at work until 4:30 Christmas Eve Day or 5 p.m., and it is certainChristmas Day ly a step in the right direcPersonal Holiday tion toward achieving our goals.”
Rockdale Probate Court extends hours of operation
Jennifer Rutledge was surrounded by family members, including her husband, daughter and parents, as she was recognized at tonight’s Board of Commissioners’ meeting.
Rockdale County Clerk Jennifer Rutledge was honored for 20 years of service by the Rockdale Board of Commissioners (BOC) at its Feb. 21 meeting. “Twenty years of service in today’s work force is a long time,” said BOC Chairman Oz Nesbitt in congratulating Rutledge for her commitment. Rutledge was a 20-year-old Georgia State University student when she began working for Rockdale County. “When I was first hired, I was hired in what was at the time, the Department of Public Works. Soon after, there was an opening in the Board of Commissioners office and I was asked to apply for it. After about a year in the Board of Commissioners office, the current County Clerk retired and the Chairman recommended to the Board of Commissioners that I be appointed to serve as the Clerk. They agreed and I was appointed.” Rutledge served under several administrations following her initial appointment. As County Clerk, she is responsible for a myriad of tasks including advising the BOC on policies and procedures; preparing and posting meeting agendas; carrying out the duties relevant to the Open Records Act, archiving, researching, and providing and maintaining county records, historical information and documents. She also works assists the county’s volunteer boards. At the meeting, Rutledge shared the spotlight with her husband, daughter and parents who came out to support her. You can watch the presentation honoring Rutledge at the On Common Ground News (Official) Facebook page.
PAGE 4 •FEBRUARY 25, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
GWINNETT
Coming Up
Compiled by Mackenzie N. Morgan.
Extension Service hosts annual plant sale The Gwinnett Extension Service is hosting its annual plant sale on Thursday, March 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Gwinnett Coun¬ty Fairgrounds, 2406 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. A variety of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, apples, pomegranate, goji berry, native azaleas, pecan trees and other landscape plants will be available. Orders will be tak¬en through March 7. Visit www.ugaextension.org/gwinnett or call 678-377-4010 to request an order form. All orders must be prepaid by cash or check and prepaid orders must be picked up on March 16. Additional plants also will be available for purchase on pickup day.
Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy accepting applications
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday Children are invited to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss on Thursday, March 2, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Central Library, 1 Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta. Children will have a Seuss of a time listening to Dr. Seuss stories and making crafts during the birthday celebration. This event is free and open to children ages 4 and under. Registration is required. Email laura.hoefener@fultoncountyga.gov with your child’s name, age, and a contact phone number.
ATLANTA
Ballethnic dance company pays homage to Apollo Theater In honor of Black History Month, Ballethnic Dance Company will perform a tribute to the famous Apollo Theater Sunday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m. at the Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park. Set to a swingin’ soundtrack inspired by the Amateur Night early days in the 1930s, Apollo Nights features adult and youth performers dancing to tunes of Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other legends of jazz and swing. Celebrate the present by traveling to the past at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. Discount tickets are available for $10 at http://bit.ly/2l5G6nt.
DEKALB
Spring gardening workshop set at Decatur Library The public is invited to attend a spring gardening workshop Tuesday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Decatur Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur. Join Stephanie Van Parys, horticulturist and executive director of the Wylde Center, to find out what vegetables to plant this spring and how to get started. The second half of the class will cover vegetable varieties that may be planted in your summer garden. Metered parking is free after 6 p.m. Additional free parking is available in the Manuel Maloof parking lot and the DeKalb County Courthouse deck after 5 p.m. For more information, call 404-370-3070.
Gwinnett residents are invited to participate in the Spring 2017 Gwinnett 101 Citizens Academy. The free 12-week program offers a behind-thescenes perspective of local government beginning Tuesday, April 11 and concluding June 27. Participants will learn why firetrucks respond to medical emergencies; how tax dollars are spent; how sewage is turned into clean water and more. Students will also get an opportunity to visit various departments for indepth briefings and demonstrations. Applications are available at www.gwinnett101.com. The deadline to apply is March 3. Participants must be at least 18 years old and be a resident or business owner in Gwinnett or a student attending a Gwinnett college or university. For more information, contact Nicole Love Hendrickson at 770-8228877 or nicole.hendrickson@gwinnettcounty.com.
CONYERS
Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts to host concert The public is invited for an evening of songs, faith, hope and inspiration Sunday, March 5, 6 p.m. at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 N. Main St. Conyers. The concert will be presented by Conyers native, internationally and critically acclaimed soprano Theresa Hamm-Smith, and the voice students from her studio, Bella Musica Music Studio. Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. For more information, visit www.conyersarts.org or call 770-922-3143.
Conyers-Rockdale Council for the Arts presents “American Apartheid” The Conyers Rockdale Council for the Arts (CRCA) will present a play, “American Apartheid” Feb. 24-26, at the Center Street Arts Theater, 910 Center St., Conyers. The play centers on the 1906 Atlanta race riots and recounts the love story of a mixed-race woman passing as white, her black fiancé and a new white love interest at a time when racial tension is at an all time high. The play, written by Wade Marbuagh and Paul Hudson, will be performed by the Being Human Players. For tickets and more information, visit conyersarts.org.
Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews. com. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers.
Family fun day set at Gresham Library Storyteller Jerry G. White of A Performance Method will bring history to life and take the family on an educational journey through performance and fun on Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Gresham Library, 2418 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta. After the presentation, make a craft, play games and test your brain at black history bingo. Food and prizes included. For more information, call 404-244-4374.
Anytime Notary Call to schedule your appointment 678-468-6852
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Congressman Hank Johnson to host town hall on ACA, Medicare
Congressman Hank Johnson (District 4) will host a town hall meeting with seniors to discuss the impact of the Republican Congress plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Johnson said he plans to discuss proposed changes for Medicare service that would, among other things, shorten the solvency of the federally-subsidized program. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, March Congressman Hank Johnson 1, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. Under the proposed ACA repeal, millions of seniors would have to pay more for their prescription drugs and face hefty co-pays for key preventive services such as cancer screenings. Currently, key preventive services are free for Medicare recipients under ACA. Washington, D.C. representatives have said, however, the GOP plans to privatize Medicare and use a voucher program that would shift health care costs to seniors and drastically slash Medicaid spending, either with a block grant or a per-capita cap. Johnson said Cindy Zeldin, executive director for Georgians for a Healthy Future and Kathleen Connors, a Health and Human Services partner/ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, will be guest speakers at his town hall.
FEBRUARY 25, 2017 • PAGE 5
Conyers Police Department’s annual service satisfaction survey underway
The Conyers Police Department is conducting the annual Service Satisfaction Survey for calendar year 2016. The surveys measure citizen concern for safety, police performance, public confidence in the department and provide for public comment on police performance. “It is helpful to know how we are viewed by our citizens to gauge the quality of our work,” said Police Chief Gene Wilson. “We aim to judge the different facets of our job to include contact with the public, the way we protect our citizens and their property, and the overall job we are performing. The results of this survey are taken directly to our patrol officers and any issues are addressed, positive and negative.” The online survey will be conducted until Friday, March 31, 5 p.m. The direct link for the survey is: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CPDCS2016 For more information, contact the Certification/Accreditation Manager at 770 785-6684 or police@conyersga.gov.
Civic Engagement Now! workshop set at Stonecrest Library
Mark your calendar for the Civic Engagement Now! workshop, which will be held March 27, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m., at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. Learn about civic engagement and how to bring changes to local issues such as traffic signals, or state issues, like health care reform. Community organizers and county and state representatives will explain the structure of government and discuss best practices for communicating successfully with municipal, county and state representatives. For more information: 770-482-3828.
Rockdale public schools set teacher job fairs Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is hosting its Spring 2017 Job Fair on March 4, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., and April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive, Conyers. The district is recruiting teachers for the 2017-2018 school year. All 22 Rockdale public schools will be represented and may provide on-site interviews. Candidates are encouraged to bring several copies of their resume and to pre-register at www.rockdaleschools.org/jobfair . To view the full schedule of opportunities available, visit: www.rockdaleschools.org/recruiting RCPS is made up of 11 elementary schools, four middle schools, three traditional high schools, a virtual campus and four non-traditional schools (Rockdale Career Academy and Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology, Open Campus, Alpha Academy). In addition, the district offers 15 specialty and choice programs focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), performing and visual arts, aerospace engineering, pre-medical science, business and leadership, radio and film entertainment, and much more. RCPS is committed to raising teacher pay, providing bonuses for hardto-fill positions in Special Education, Secondary Math, Science, Foreign Language and providing “Quality” bonuses for teachers. The district’s “Learning Reimagined” one-to-one initiative not only provides students, teachers and classrooms with the laptops, tablets and equipment needed to develop the skills to compete in today’s society, but also provides teachers with the support needed to tap into the educational potential of these technologies. RCPS has a growing enrollment of about 16,500 students. The district offers comprehensive benefits, professional learning opportunities, balanced calendar and a great work environment.
Call Today 404-220-8719
PAGE 6 •FEBRUARY 25, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale shines at Regional Science Fair More than 50 advance to state, national, international events
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ockdale’s STEM prowess was on display as the county’s brightest young scientific minds presented their research findings at the 2017 Rockdale Regional Scientific and Engineering Fair (RRSEF), which was held at Rockdale Magnet School for Science and Technology. Out of 233 participants (76 boys, 157 girls), 29 high school and 16 middle school students were named Grand Champions and will go on to the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair in Athens, March 30-April 1. This year’s fair saw 190 projects submitted in 23 scientific categories about 50 percent more projects than last year. These projects were evaluated by more than 90 STEM professionals. A film crew from the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) also was on hand to document three students who won a chance to advance directly to the ISEF in Los Angeles this May. This year’s RRSEF winners are:
Nkima Stephenson; Michelle Nguyen; Jennifer Cruz; Madeline Burkey; Kayla Andrews; Jaqueline Gomez; Bryson Joyce; Laney Norton; Isabelle Kirkwood; Jeebe Diop, Matthew York; Christian Downer; Jade McPike; Rodina Cummings; Sierra Driver; Miranda Murph;, Zaharia Selman; Huang Ho; Angel Brooks; Nadirah Royer; Jaedon Hanchard; Cody Myers; Arish Jarwar[ Sydney Campbell; Aryanna Brown; Yassin Siddiquee; Rebekah Bowers; Faith Buchanan; and Anna LaMontagne. GRAND CHAMPIONS, JUNIOR DIVISION (middle school projects advancing to state fair): Caitlyn Hildebran; Michael Kinsey[ Margaret Hwang; Megan Fachisthers; Zak Yassin; Ava Bailey; Caleb Buchanan; Corey Kidd, Grant Owen; Jada Richardson; Nylah Ductan; Gabrielle Wood; Hailey Corarrubias; Emma MacDonald; Sydney Palmer; and Vanessa Ibarra. SPECIALTY AWARDS Laura Anschutz Memorial Awards: Jada Richardson Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) Award: Michelle Nguyen American Meterological Society: Laney Norton and Rodina Cummings American Psychological Association: Sydney Turner and Erin Wilson
GRAND CHAMPIONS, SENIOR DIVISION (high school projects advancing to state fair):
Arizona State University Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives Award: Anna LaMontagne and Madeline Burkey ASM Materials Education Founda-
tion: Christian Downer. Association for Women Geoscientists: Anna LaMontagne
Navy and Marine Corps Award: Michael Kinsey, Margaret Hwang, Megan Fachisthers, Sierra Driver and Miranda Murphy
Doubting Thomas Award: Aaron Geanas
Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Award: Anna LaMontagne
Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award: Nkima Stephenson Mu Alpha Theta Award: Nkima Stephenson
Jill Beach and Mary Mansell Awards (teaching award): Caroline Snell and Dr. JoDi Osborn
NASA Earth Systems Science Award: Madeline Burkey NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award: Kayla Andrews Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Recommendation Award (top 11th grade projects): Adrian Robbins; Fallon Barnes; Amber Bowles; Allan Manene; Zaharia Selman; CJ Hardnett; Laney Norton; Mayesha Jefferson; Madline Burkey; Michelle Nguyen; and Anna LaMontagne Ricoh Sustainable Development Award: Azia Mitchell Society for In Vitro Biology: Mayesha Jefferson Stockholm Junior Water Prize: Anna LaMontagne, Madeline Burkey and Kayla Andrews U.S. Air Force Award: Ava Bailey, Caleb Buchanan, Corey Kidd, Bryson Joyce U.S. Metric Association SI Metric Award: Madeline Burkey Office of Naval Research U.S.
Siemens Competition Semifinalists: Sierra Driver and Miranda Murphy Broadcom Masters (top middle school projects): Ava Bailey, Caleb Richardson, Nylah Ductan, Caitlyn Hildebran, Corey Kidd and Jada Richardson NCSSS Student Conference Award: Kayla Andrews, Jacqueline Gomez, Angel Brooks (and alternates Laney Norton, Isabelle Kirkwood) International Sustainable World Energy Engineering, and Environment Project (ISWEEP) Olympiad (in Houston, Tex.): Jennifer Cruz (“The Manipulation of PHA Polymers in the Production of PHA Polymers”) Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (to be held in Los Angeles, May 14-19): Nkima Stephenson (“Data Integration & Analysis of Epigenetics”); Michelle Nguyen (“Topical Antibiotics Consisting of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles”); and Madeline Burkey (“The Effect of EDTA Chelation as a Desorption Mechanism”). For the full list of winners, go to http://rsef.webs.com.
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FEBRUARY 25, 2017 • PAGE 7
Rent to Own Heating and Air Conditioning Program helps homeowners with low credit scores
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on’t let a low credit score keep you from getting a new HVAC system for your home. The National Sustainable Energy Group is offering a Rent to Own Heating and Air Conditioning Program that is not based on how high or low your credit score is. The program, developed by UtiliPro and marketed and managed by the National Sustainable Energy Group, provides new energy-efficient HVAC systems for homeowners with less than perfect credit. The program is based on the homeowner’s history of paying their property taxes on time. Monthly payments for the new systems start at $89.95 per month, depending on the size of unit required. The plan includes a limited lifetime warranty on parts and labor, said Percy Brooks, Founder/CEO of the National Sustainable Energy Group. The National Sustainable Energy Group is partnering with Omega Heating and Air, which is serving as the preferred NATE Certified Contractor in the metro Atlanta area to provide energy efficient upgrades. UtiliPro has provided rent to own service to over 3 million homeowners across Canada and North America.
The new HVAC systems replace older systems that use the R-22 refrigerant commonly known as Freon, said Brooks said. The EPA phase-out of HVAC systems using the refrigerant commonly known as “Freon” by the year 2020 will affect millions of homeowners in metro Atlanta areas and across the country. Homeowners will be required to upgrade to an R-410A refrigerant for new energy efficient units. The Rent to Own HVAC Program meets the new EPA requirements, Brooks said. “This program is an alternative resource for homeowners with less than perfect credit. It provides an option to acquire a new energy efficient Goodman Heating and Air unit for homes that have not upgraded their HVAC unit in the last 15 years or homeowners whose HVAC unit is working at 60 percent or less than capacity,” Brooks said. Brooks estimates there are over 130,000 homeowners in metro Atlanta who are without HVAC systems. Some, he said, haven’t had working HVAC units for 10 years, while another 700,000 have units that are working at 40% capacity or less. “We have seen cases where people were spending as much as
Gwinnett to conduct “smart” water meters project
Gwinnett County commissioners have approved an agreement with CH2M Hill Engineers Inc. to conduct a project examining using smart meters connected to the internet to enhance customer services for the Department of Water Resources. A team of consultants and technology companies invited the Department of Water Resources to participate in the Global Cities Team Challenge: Smart Cities Pilot Project, which looks at groundbreaking applications of internet technology across a number of industrial sectors, including water. Smart meters – meters connected to the internet – are emerging technology, and the pilot project will allow DWR to evaluate how this technology can be used to not only provide enhanced service to customers, but also allow DWR to continue being a good steward of the environment and plan for the future. Smart meter technology tracks water as it moves through the system, allowing utilities to find even small leaks in the system and prevent loss of water. As part of this pilot project, DWR will test different types of smart meters for reliability and accuracy. During the technology test, the data from the Smart Cities Pilot Project may allow customers in the pilot study the ability to see their water use in real time, helping them manage their use and identify leaks or running toilets at their homes,” said Rick Reagan, deputy director of Business Services. “This can help the customer save money as well as conserve water.” The data will also allow DWR to find even small leaks in the system and prevent loss of water. When compared with some other areas of the country, Gwinnett County has a young water distribution system and water loss from leaks is very small. As the system ages, water leaks could increase. Smart meter technology is a proactive way to prepare for the future. There is no capital investment for the county, and no obligation for further implementation at the end of the pilot project. Pilot project partners include AT&T (wireless connectivity), QualComm (communication chips in meters) and CH2M (project management). DWR is in the process of identifying neighborhoods where the pilot could be conducted.
30% of their household income for utilities. Your monthly utility bill should average less than 5% of your household income,” Brooks said. “Homeowners will save money on their monthly utility bill with these new systems.” Brooks said the new systems also will increase property values and provide tax write-offs, tax credits and rebates for homeowners. “Our goal is to serve 1,500 homeowners in South DeKalb and surrounding municipalities over the next 120 days,” said Brooks.
For more information, call: Percy Brooks, Founder/CEO National Sustainable Energy Group 404-220-8719 Website Address: www.hvachomesystem.com Email address: percybrooks. meb@live.com This is a paid advertorial.
DeKalb DA Sherry Boston to host second annual “Love Run” 5K DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston is inviting the public to join her in the fight to end domestic violence. On Saturday, Feb. 25, the District Attorney’s Office is hosting the second annual “Love Run 5K” to raise money and awareness about domestic violence issues. The event also coincides with Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, which is observed during February. “We are excited about partnering with District Attorney Sherry Boston the public in a fun and healthy way to focus attention on a very serious issue impacting our community,” said District Attorney Boston, who created the Love Run in 2016 while serving as DeKalb County Solicitor-General. According to national statistics, one in three teens experiences some type of abuse in his or her dating relationships. Sadly, only 33 percent of teens report that abuse. Ms. Boston says early intervention is the key to prevention. “We must do all we can to raise awareness and provide resources to educate young adults about healthy relationships. Knowing the warning signs can prevent unhealthy relationships from escalating to potentially dangerous levels,” said Boston. The “Love Run” will kick off at the Decatur Square, 8:30 a.m., 101 E. Court Street, Decatur. Runners will follow a fast, certified-course through historic downtown and the surrounding scenic neighborhoods. To register for the event, visit www.DeKalbDA.org and click on the “Events” tab. Walk-up registration is also available on Friday, Feb. 24, noon to 8 p.m., at Big Peach Running Company in Decatur and on the day of the event beginning at 7 a.m. All proceeds will be donated to The Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence children’s programs. Last year’s Love Run raised more than $5,000 for WRC.
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PAGE 8•FEBRUARY 25,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Atlanta Sports City continued from page 1
upscale boutiques. Henderson and Foster said they are excited about making history in the city of Stonecrest. “Initially, we were going to go the Chamblee area in North DeKalb but the timing just wasn’t right back then. We like to say that Stonecrest found us and we landed on the perfect site,” Henderson said. “The availability of land, all that Stonecrest has to offer is phenomenal. It just made sense for us to come over and be a part of the legacy for the new city of Stonecrest.” Foster concurred. “It’s just the perfect opportunity. It’s our community. We’re both DeKalb residents and we love having the opportunity here,” said Foster. Atlanta Sports City will accommodate over 22 different sports and will host amateur and professional sports events throughout the year. Discover DeKalb Executive Director James Tsismanakis said the facility is expected to bring 3 million tourists to the area annually. “With nearly $80 million in new demand for lodging, food and entertainment, Atlanta Sports City is definitely going to be one of the biggest economic development projects around,” Tsismanakis said. “Just 20 minutes east of downtown Atlanta, the location of this project is key;
this will be a destination between Augusta and Atlanta allowing us the opportunity to compete for regional and national sporting events.” Irons said construction of the massive project will start in this year’s third quarter. “We’re going to put in the fields first and some tournaments will be held this year,” Irons said. “We’re going to work very diligently with our general contractor, Brassfield & Gorrie, to make sure that Stonecrest businesses and DeKalb businesses have more than a fair shot at participating.” Mike McClinton, who owns a dump truck business, said he hopes to have a shot at competing as a sub-contractor. “I think that it is going to be great. We need the development in this area and the jobs,” said McClinton. Irons said in addition to the 300 construction jobs, there will be marketing jobs, referees, directors of sports programs, facilities, maintenance, and facilities providing sports medicine. “All of the jobs will provide above living wage, and we’re going to set aside and dedicate some of those jobs for hiring Stonecrest residents,” Irons said. Jason Lary, who headed the Stonecrest movement and is running
for mayor of the new city, said he is ecstatic to see the vision of where he wants the city to go come to fruition. “It’s been a long time coming… For four years, we have worked on the city of Stonecrest, going down to the Capitol so we could have a say,” said Lary, who drew thunderous applause as he thanked the citizens who supported the movement for Stonecrest to become a city when others said it couldn’t be done. Greg Griffith, executive director of Georgia Soccer Association, said he welcomes the facility and is looking forward to bringing soccer to the area. He said the location is ideal. “As the Executive Director of the largest youth sports organization in Georgia, we are excited to have a facility like Atlanta Sports City that matches the quality of our soccer clubs and teams in Georgia,” said
Griffith. “This facility will provide a place for dozens of local tournament and give us the ability to bid on major regional and national tournaments to bring theses events to Atlanta. The proximity to metro Atlanta and the best airport in the country, makes this a great location for a sports complex.” Atlanta Sorts City At Stonecrest will be able to host the following sports: Baseball Lacrosse Basketball Martial Arts Cheerleading Paddle Ball Cricket Racquetball Cross Country RugbyDance Fencing Soccer Field Hockey Squash Flag Football Tackle Football Futsal Tennis Gymnastics Track & Field Kickball Volleyball Weight Lifting Wrestling
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The Stephens Agency celebrates ribbon cutting at new offices
FEBRUARY 25,2017 • PAGE 9
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The Stephens Agency celebrated the opening of its new Northlake offices at 2310 Parklake Drive, Suite 370-C, Atlanta with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 19th. The event was attended by a host of family, friends and clients. The agency, owned by Rockdale County residents Jabar and Christina Stephens, offers free financial literacy workshops that focus on increasing net worth and generational wealth. One of their regular workshops is held every third Thursday, 6:45 p.m., at Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Conyers. To schedule a workshop for your group or organization or for more information about the agency, call 678-760-7944 or email: info@thestephensagency.org.
DeKalb’s Porter Sanford Center draws crowds for “Cindy”
Stepp Stewart’s “Cindy, the musical,” featuring the 17-piece African American Philharmonic Orchestra, had another successful run at the Porter Sanford Center for the Performing Arts in Decatur. The musical, which was staged Feb. 17-18, is set in Harlem 1943. Cindy is reunited with her father after traveling from down South to meet her new stepmother and sisters. She quickly finds herself in a house full of mean-spirited relatives who don’t give her the reception she is expecting. Cindy rises above bullying and low self-esteem as she never stops believing in love and happiness. Based on the 1978 television special of the same name, Cindy is a different kind of Cinderella story now adapted for the stage. David Manuel, executive director of the Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center, said during an interview that the musical had packed audiences for its opening day. Take a listen to the YouTube interview at On Common Ground News (Official) Facebook page.
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PAGE 10•FEBRUARY 25,2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Rockdale County Tax Sale
Under and by virtue of certain tax Fi.Fa.’s issued by the Tax Commissioner of Rockdale County, Georgia, in favor of the State of Georgia and County of Rockdale against the following named persons and the property as described immediately beside their respective name(s). There will be sold for cash or certified funds at public outcry, before the Courthouse door in Conyers, Rockdale County, Georgia, between the legal hours of sale, on the first Tuesday in March, the same being March 7, 2017. The below listed and described properties, or as much thereof as will satisfy the State and County tax execution on the respective individual and property will be sold between the legal hours of sale, 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is a buyer beware sale and all property will be sold as is. The Tax Commissioner makes no warranty, neither expressed nor implied, as to title, and all properties are subject to all recorded covenants, easements, and right of ways. Properties are sold under the power of a tax sale deed with specific rights of redemption. Each defendant and tenant in possession, if applicable, has been notified of levy time and place of sale. Purchaser shall pay for title, all transfer cost, all taxes, advertising cost and recording fees. Pursuant to Georgia Law, payment will be required within one (1) hour of the completion of the tax sale. In the event a bid is not properly paid, the property may be re-offered at 2:00 PM on the day of the sale, or the following day that being March 8, 2017.
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